FROM the EDITORS:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Opinions expressed on the Insight Scoop weblog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Ignatius Press. Links on this weblog to articles do not necessarily imply agreement by the author or by Ignatius Press with the contents of the articles. Links are provided to foster discussion of important issues. Readers should make their own evaluations of the contents of such articles.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Cardinal Ratzinger, as Prefect and Theologian

Q: What will Pope Benedict XVI bring of himself and his theological interests to the pontificate?

Brumley: Although Ratzinger the prefect is distinguishable from
Ratzinger the theologian, we are blessed in Pope Benedict XVI with a
theologian and pastor who has thought and prayed long and hard about
Jesus Christ, the Church and her mission to the world.

He will, I believe, continue the twofold task of Vatican II --
renewing the inner life of the Church and reinvigorating the Church's
mission in the world. He is committed to a renewal of biblical studies
and a deepening of ordinary Catholics' appreciation of and
participation in the sacred liturgy.

He staunchly proclaims the universal call to holiness of Vatican
II. He understands the importance of dialogue among Christians and
dialogue with world religions and seekers, while he upholds the
integrity of Catholic faith and insists on a renewed missionary drive
to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

And he knows that in the areas of morality and social justice, the
Christian message has not been tried and found wanting, as G.K.
Chesterton noted, but has been found difficult and left untried.
Furthermore, he sees the threat of radical relativism and many other
"isms."

While Mark is not nearly as catty as Maureen Dowd (see below), he is far nicer and actually knows what he is talking about, a trait I always find refreshing.